The name behind the constellation is actually just Latin for weighing scales and the reason why this constellation is known as Libra is due to it’s resemblance to a scale. It’s also the only Zodiac constellation we know that resembles a physical object.
Libra – Latin for “the Balance” or “the Scales”, from the equivalent Greek word Zygos. This sign was originally called, “the Claws“, which were attached to the constellation Scorpio; the later idea of a balance most likely derived from the relative equality of day and night at the autumnal equinox.
What is the meaning of the constellation Libra?
The constellation Libra, known as the Scales or the Balance, is marked by an oblong figure of stars and owes its importance only to its position in the Zodiac. It supposedly consists of a beam with two pans hanging from it, for weighing things.
What is the meaning of Libra constellation?
The constellation’s name means “the weighing scales” in Latin, and Libra is usually depicted as the scales held by the Greek goddess of justice Dike (or Astraea), represented by the neighbouring Virgo constellation. Libra is the only zodiac constellation that represents an object, not an animal or a character from mythology.
A query we ran across in our research was “What is the origin of the constellation Libra the scales?”.
Cosmic Balance: Origin of the Constellation Libra, the Scales. The constellation Libra, known as the Scales or the Balance, is marked by an oblong figure of stars and owes its importance only to its position in the Zodiac. It supposedly consists of a beam with two pans hanging from it, for weighing things.
How did Libra get its name?
In Latin, Libra means “weighing scales. ” Even long before Roman times, Sumerian sky watchers named this constellation “Zib-ba An-na,” or “the balance of heaven.” Arab astronomers called the Libra constellation “Zubana,” which can mean either “weighing scales” or “scorpion.”.
What does Librae mean in Latin?
Libra /ˈliːbrə/ is a constellation of the zodiac. Its name is Latin for weighing scales, and its symbol is ( Unicode ♎). It is fairly faint, with no first magnitude stars, and lies between Virgo to the west and Scorpius to the east. Beta Librae, also known as Zubeneschamali,.
Who is Astraea in the Libra constellation?
In the sky, the constellation scales lie at an angle, as if swinging from the hand of the Goddess who carried them into the heavens. Libra lies near Virgo and Scorpius. In this story, Virgo is Astraea, Goddess of Justice, who was placed into the sky carrying a torch and a set of Scales.
Is Libra an asterism?
An asterism is a more vague assembly of stars than a recognized constellation. The constellation of Libra is one of the 12 constellations of the Zodiac and as such is represented by the birth star sign of Libra.